Windmill handling system and method for using same

ABSTRACT

A handler for handling at least one component of a windmill is provided. The handler is provided with at least one grip and a bracing. The grip(s) are for releasably receiving the component(s) of the windmill. The grip has at least one foot positionable on a base for supporting the component(s) of the windmill on a surface thereof. The bracing is operatively connectable to the grip(s), and is receivable by a carrier for transport thereby whereby the component(s) is/are transportable by the carrier.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/241,295, filed Sep. 10, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/256,498, filed Oct. 30, 2009, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference. Applicant has also filed co-pending U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/240,893 on Sep. 9, 2009, U.S.Non-Provisional Applications No. (not yet assigned) entitled WINDMILLCONVEYANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING SAME contemporaneously herewith,and U.S. Non-Provisional Applications No. (not yet assigned) entitledWINDMILL INSTALLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD contemporaneously herewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to techniques for handling energy systems,such as windmills, wind turbines and/or other devices, used to convertwind into energy. Such handling may involve installation, storage and/orconveyance of the windmills.

2. Background of the Related Art

Conventional windmills (sometimes referred to as wind turbines)typically entail a tapered turbine tower and a wind turbine nacellepositioned on top of the tower. A wind turbine rotor with multiple windturbine blades is connected to the nacelle through a shaft mechanism,which extends out of the nacelle.

Wind turbine towers (made up of tower units) can be several hundred feettall, requiring heavy equipment to deliver to a location and/orconstruct on site, and presenting a high risk of injury to workers.Transporters, such as boats, have been used to transport the windsystems to locations, such as offshore facilities, for installation.Offshore windmill installation has been accomplished with large capacitycranes. In some cases, the cranes are used in combination with thetransporter to transfer the windmill from the transporter and/or toinstall the windmill. These transporters and large cranes can pose ahigh safety risk when operated in high winds, which limits the window ofdelivery and/or installation to approximately a few months per year.Examples of windmill delivery and/or installation techniques aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,311,434, 7,456,515, 7,112,010 and7,234,409. Despite the existence of such techniques, a need remains forimproved techniques to transport, transfer, store, assemble and/orinstall wind turbines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one aspect, the present invention relates to a handler forhandling at least one component of a windmill. The handler is providedwith at least one grip and a bracing. The at least one grip is forreleasably receiving the component(s) of the windmill. The grip has atleast one foot positionable on a base for supporting the component on asurface thereof. The bracing is operatively connectable to the at leastone grip. The bracing is receivable by a carrier for transport therebywhereby the component(s) is/are transportable by the carrier.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to handling system forhandling at least one component of a windmill. The system is providedwith a base and a handler. The base has at least one surface forreceiving the component(s) thereon. The base has a carrier operativelyconnectable thereto and movable thereabout. The handler is provided withat least one grip for releasably receiving the component(s) of thewindmill. The grip has at least one foot positionable on the base forsupporting the component(s) on the surface. The bracing is operativelyconnectable to the grip. The bracing is receivable by the carrier fortransport thereby whereby the component(s) is/are transportable aboutthe base by the carrier.

Finally, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a method ofhandling at least one component of a windmill. The method involvesproviding a handling system. The system is provided with a base and ahandler. The base has at least one surface for receiving thecomponent(s) thereon. The base has a carrier operatively connectablethereto and movable thereabout. The handler is provided with at leastone grip for releasably receiving the component(s) of the windmill. Thegrip has at least one foot positionable on the base for supporting thecomponent(s) on the surface. The bracing is operatively connectable tothe grip. The bracing is receivable by the carrier for transport therebywhereby the component(s) is/are transportable about the base by thecarrier. The method further involving receiving the component(s) by thehandler, operatively connecting the handler to the carrier via thebracing; and transporting the component(s) about the base via thecarrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the above recited features and advantages of the presentinvention can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to theembodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It isto be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typicalembodiments of this invention and are, therefore, not to be consideredlimiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equallyeffective embodiments. The Figures are not necessarily to scale andcertain features and certain views of the Figures may be shownexaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity andconciseness.

FIG. 1-26 are schematic depictions of a mobile turbine carrier andrigging system (sometimes referred to as the “rigging system”) forinstalling a windmill, the rigging system having a base with threeextendable platform legs and a handling system.

FIG. 1 shows the rigging system moving toward a base tower unit.

FIG. 2 shows the rigging system of FIG. 1 positioned adjacent the basetower unit, and with the base being ‘Jacked up’ by the platform legs.

FIG. 3 shows the rigging system of FIG. 2 with the base ‘Jacked up’ bythe platform legs to the installation position.

FIG. 4 shows the rigging system of FIG. 3 with the handling system movedinto position for receiving a nacelle, the handling system having ahoisting platform and a carrier.

FIGS. 5A,B,C are detailed views of the carrier of FIG. 4. FIG. 5A showsthe hoisting platform of FIG. 4 with the carrier slidably positionedthereon via a trolley. FIG. 5B shows the carrier of FIG. 5A with thehoisting platform removed. FIG. 5C shows the trolley alone.

FIG. 6 shows the rigging system of FIG. 4 with the hoisting platformmoved into position for connection to a tower unit via a handler.

FIG. 7 shows the rigging system of FIG. 6 with the hoisting platformafter being connected to the tower unit via the handler.

FIGS. 8A-B show detailed views of the handler of FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 8Ashows the handler in a closed position. FIG. 8B shows the handler in anopen position.

FIG. 9 shows the rigging system of FIG. 4 with the hoisting platformcarrying a nacelle and a tower unit.

FIG. 10A shows the rigging system of FIG. 9 with the hoisting platformtilting the tower unit into position for installation. FIG. 10B shows aside view of the hoisting platform of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 shows the rigging system of FIGS. 10A with the tower unit in thevertical position for installation.

FIG. 12 shows the rigging system of FIG. 11 with the tower unitpositioned in the base unit and the hoisting platform moved to a raisedposition.

FIG. 13 shows the rigging system of FIG. 12 with the nacelle rotatedabout the hoisting platform.

FIG. 14A shows the rigging system of FIG. 13 with the hoisting platformlowered for installation of the nacelle onto the tower. FIG. 14B shows aside view of the hoisting platform of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the hoisting platform of FIG. 14A with awork platform of the hoisting platform moved to a set position (thenacelle has been removed to show the features of the hoisting platform).

FIG. 16 shows the hoisting platform of FIG. 15 with the work platformreturned to a retracted position.

FIG. 17A shows the rigging system of FIG. 14A with a blade saddle of thehandler in an open position for releasing a blade therefrom. FIG. 17Bshows a side view of the rigging system of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 shows the rigging system of FIG. 17A with a bracing of thehandler opened for removal from the tower unit therefrom.

FIG. 19 shows the rigging system of FIG. 18 with the hoisting platformmoved to a lowered position, and the rigging system moving away from thebase unit.

FIGS. 20-24 shows schematic views of an alternate handler. FIG. 20 showsthe riggings system of FIG. 14A with the hoisting platform supportingthe alternate handler.

FIGS. 21A-C are detailed views of the alternate handler of FIGS. 20.FIG. 21A shows the alternate handler supporting a blade. FIG. 21B showsthe alternate handler with the blade removed. FIG. 21C shows thealternate handler in an open position.

FIG. 22 shows the alternate handler of FIG. 20 being lifted to a raisedposition by the hoisting platform.

FIG. 23 shows the alternate handler of FIG. 22 being rotated to avertical position.

FIG. 24 shows the alternate handler of FIG. 23 being installed into anacelle.

FIGS. 25-26 are schematic views of the rigging system of FIG. 1 with analternate handling system having a rotatable hoisting platform. FIG. 25shows the hoisting platform in a first position. FIG. 26 shows thehoisting platform rotated to a second position.

FIGS. 27-38 are schematic views of the rigging system of FIG. 1 and awindmill conveyance system, the windmill conveyance system comprising alift boat with a plurality of boat legs and a transfer system. FIG. 27shows the windmill conveyance system moving toward the mobile turbineand rigging system for delivery of a nacelle and a tower unit.

FIGS. 28A,B,C are detailed views of the conveyance system of FIG. 27.FIG. 28A shows the transfer system with a nacelle and a tower unitpositioned thereon. FIG. 28B shows the transfer system of FIG. 28A withthe tower unit removed. FIG. 28C shows an upper support of the transfersystem.

FIG. 29 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 27with the windmill conveyance system docked with the rigging system andthe boat legs extended from the lift boat.

FIG. 30 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 29with the lift boat being ‘Jacked up’ by the boat legs to a towertransfer position, and the hoisting platform being moved to a raisedposition.

FIG. 31 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 30with a tower unit being transferred from the windmill conveyance systemto the rigging system and connected to a carrier thereof.

FIG. 32 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 31with a carrier of the hoisting platform moving the tower unit about therigging system.

FIG. 33 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 32with the hoisting platform moving the tower unit onto the rigging systemfor storage.

FIG. 34 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 33with the lift boat being ‘Jacked up’ by the boat legs to a nacelletransfer position, the hoisting platform being moved to a raisedposition and the carrier being shifted along the hoisting platform fortransfer.

FIG. 35 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 34with an upper support of the transfer system in an extended position fortransfer.

FIG. 36 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 35with the nacelle being transferred to the rigging system.

FIG. 37 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 36with the upper support returned to the retracted position.

FIG. 38 shows the rigging and windmill conveyance systems of FIG. 37with the nacelle being moved by the hoisting platform to pick up thetower unit, and the lift boat being lowered via the boat legs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in theabove-identified Figures and described in detail below.

Aspects of the invention entail mobile turbine carrier and riggingsystem 100 (sometimes referred to as the “rigging system”). FIGS. 1-24depict various schematic views of the rigging system 100. FIG. 1 shows aversion of system 100 configured for offshore applications. While therigging system 100 may be configured for offshore applications, it willbe appreciated that the rigging system 100 may be also be used foronshore applications.

As seen in FIG. 1, a base 10 of the rigging system 100 is shownsuspended above sea 12 level. The base 10 is shown configured with threeextendable uprights or platform legs 14. A lower mat structure 16 islinked to platform legs 14 and suspended below sea level 12. The base 10and/or mat structure 16 is/are configured to maintain the base afloatwhile the platform legs 14 are suspended off the sea floor. Some aspectsmay be implemented with more or less than three platform legs 14,depending on the layout and configuration of the base 10 and matstructure 16. The mat structure 16 is preferably suspended via the legs14 a distance below the base 10. Preferably, the lower mat structure 16provides stability and support to the rigging system 100 duringoperation.

The rigging system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown equipped with an optionalcrane 17, helicopter pad 18 and pile driver 19. Other devices may alsobe provided about the rigging system 100 for performing variousoperations, such as steering, driving or otherwise facilitatingtransport of the rigging system 100. In another example, handlers may beprovided for storage and installation of components on the riggingsystem and/or to facilitate transfer of components onto the riggingsystem as will be described further below. Aspects of the base 10,platform legs 14, and mat structure 16, as well as other components ofthe invention, can be implemented using conventional oilfield “Jackup”rig components and hardware as known in the art.

The base 10 is equipped with several carrier supports 20, eachconfigured to cradle one or more conventional wind turbine nacelles 22.This particular aspect of the invention is shown with each nacelle 22outfitted with a pair of blades 32. A wind turbine rotor 23 isoperatively connected to each nacelle to support one or more blades 32thereon. As shown, multiple nacelles 22, each with two blades 32thereon, are stacked on supports 20 positioned about the base 10. Thesupports 20 may be, for example, frames stacked using interlocking endsto secure the supports 20 in place on the base 10. One or more nacelles22 with zero or more blades 32 may be positioned and/or stacked aboutthe rigging system. The nacelles 22 may be stored with some of theblades 32 pre-installed as shown, or removed for separate storage and/orinstallation.

A handling system comprising a hoisting platform 24 is positionedbetween two of the platform legs 14. The hoisting platform 24 has twoholes 25 therethrough for receiving the platform legs 14. The hoistingplatform 24 is operatively connected to the two platform legs 14 andslidably movable therealong. The hoisting platform 24 is configured torun up and down along the platform legs 14, as further described below.

The hoisting platform 24 is further configured with a handling assemblyor carrier 26 configured for movement along and with respect to thehoisting platform 24 via a trolley 27. Some aspects of the invention areequipped with a plunger 28 (described below). The carrier 26 isconfigured to receive windmill components, such as nacelles 22, blades32 and/or towers units 30, for transport about the rigging system 100.The carrier 26 is also configured to position the windmill componentsfor installation, storage, etc.

A plurality of tower units (sometimes referred to as towers or posts) 30are mounted below the hoisting platform 24. The tower units aresupported on base 10 by a handler 37 a. Each tower unit 30 has a singleblade 32 held in place by a brace or blade saddle 34 a of the handler 37a. Some aspects may be implemented with each tower unit 30 equipped withone or more blade saddles 34 a. Other aspects may also be implementedwith blade saddles 34 a configured to hold one or more blades 32.

It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that one or morenacelles, blades, tower units and/or other components or devices may bepositioned at various locations about the rigging system 100. Theplatform legs 14 and/or hoisting platform 24 may also be positioned atvarious locations. For example, one or more hoisting platforms 24 may bepositioned between one or more pairs of platform legs 14 located aboutthe rigging system 100.

FIG. 1 shows the rigging system 100 being moved to a location forinstallation of a windmill (or wind turbine tower assembly). The riggingsystem 100 may be towed, driven or otherwise transported to a desiredlocation. The rigging system 100 is configured to transport one or morewindmills to one or more desired location(s) for installation. One ormore rigging systems may be transported separately or in combination.

As shown in FIG. 1, a base tower unit 31 may be provided at the locationfor receiving and supporting the windmill. The base tower unit 31 isshown extending above sea 12 level. It will be understood that the basetower unit 31 may be installed on site using conventional means as knownin the art. For example, the base tower unit 31 may be transported tothe location via the rigging system 100, and installed using pile driver19. The base tower unit 31 is provided for receiving and supporting thewindmill as will be described further below.

The rigging system 100 is depicted in FIG. 1 as carrying multiplewindmills disassembled into several components or portions. The windmillcomponents comprise wind turbine nacelles 22, tower units 30 and blades32. One or more components of one or more windmills, as well as otherdevices, may be transported, assembled, used and/or installed by therigging system 100. One or more of the component(s) may be transportedin a disassembled, partially assembled, or fully assembledconfiguration, as needed. Personnel may also be transported with therigging system 100.

FIG. 2 shows the rigging system 100 in position over the base tower unit31. Once in position, the platform legs 14 are extended to raise orJackup the base 10 to the desired height and to provide stability. Asthe platform legs 14 are extended, the mat structure 16 is lowered tothe sea floor to provide a stable support for the rigging system 100.The platform legs 14 may be extended such that the base 10 is raised toa desired height for installation.

The base 10 is preferably provided with an inlet portion 33 forreceiving the base tower unit 31. The rigging system 100 is positionedsuch that the carrier 26 of the handling system is adjacent to the basetower unit 31. In this position, personnel may access the base towerunit 31 as needed in preparation for the installation operation.

With the rigging system 100 in place over the base tower unit 31, thehoisting platform 24 may be raised or lowered to perform handlingoperations. The carrier 26 positioned on the hoisting platform 24 may bemoved laterally back and forth along the hoisting platform andperpendicular thereto. The hoisting platform 24 and carrier 26 may bepositioned to pick up components, such as a nacelle 22, tower unit 30and blade 32.

As shown in FIG. 3, aspects of the invention may be equipped with a pairof winches 35 mounted on the ends of the hoisting platform 24.Activation of the winch(es) 35 raises and lowers the hoisting platform24. Conventional winch/pulley systems may be used on embodiments of theinvention. Other aspects may be implemented with the winch(es) mountedat the top of the platform leg(s) 14. While winches are depicted in FIG.3, it will be appreciated that other mechanisms may be used tofacilitate movement of the hoisting platform 24 along platform legs 14.Winches, cranes or other mechanisms may also be provided about otherpositions the rigging system 100 for performing various operations, suchas installation.

FIG. 4 shows the carrier 26 moved into position to pick up a desirednacelle 22. The carrier 26 is raised by hoisting platform 24 to a heightsuch that the carrier 26 is in vertical alignment with the supportholding the nacelle 22. The carrier 26 is then slid along the hoistingplatform 24 to a position in horizontal alignment with the support 20holding the nacelle 22. The carrier 26 may be extended to a positionadjacent to the support 20. In this position, the carrier is aligned forreceiving the nacelle 22.

Once in position, the nacelle 22 is moved onto and supported by thecarrier 26. The nacelle 22 can be moved onto the carrier 26 using anysuitable means (e.g., via a winch mounted on the carrier 26, not shown).As shown, the nacelle 22 is slidably moved from the support 20 to thecarrier 26 along rails 39. Preferably, the rails 39 are configured foralignment with the supports 20 to facilitate transfer therebetween. Aslider 41 is provided to slidingly move the nacelle 22 along the rails39. In some aspects of the invention, the carrier 26 and/or the carriersupports 20 may be configured with conventional gear/track systems toallow for movement or extension of the components to facilitate the handoff of the nacelle 22. Devices, such as bearings, sliders, rails orother mechanisms, may be provided on the carrier and/or support forfacilitating transfer of the nacelle therebetween.

FIGS. 5A,B,C show detailed views of the hoisting platform 24 withcarrier 26 thereon. These figures depict the movement of the hoistingplatform 24 and carrier 26 in the X, Y and Z directions. The hoistingplatform 24 has holes 25 near each end thereof for receiving platformlegs 14 (FIGS. 1-4) for slidable movement therealong in the Y directionas shown. Winches 35 are provided to facilitate such movement.

The carrier 26 is slidably connected to the hoisting platform 24 viatrolley 27. The hoisting platform 24 is an elongated member having rails43 receivable by trolley 27 for slidable movement therealong in the Xdirection along hoisting platform 24 as shown. As shown in FIGS. 5A and5B, carrier 26 has inner rails 45 slidably receivable by trolley 27 toallow movement of the carrier 26 along trolley 27 in the Z directionperpendicular to the hoisting platform 24 as shown. Upper rails 39 maybe used for slidably receiving nacelle 22 on slider 41 (FIG. 4).

FIG. 5C shows the trolley 27 in greater detail. The trolley 27 is shownhaving outer rails 47 a for receiving the carrier 26, and inner rails 47b for receiving the hoisting platform 24. The trolley 27 is alsoprovided with a plunger that is movable in the Y direction and rotatableabout an axis T. The plunger 28 enables the lifting and rotation of awindmill component, such as a nacelle, (not shown) when placed thereonas will be described further below.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a close-up view of carrier 26 positioned to pick uptower unit 30. The carrier 26 is positioned about the hoisting platform24 for slidable movement therealong. FIG. 6 also shows the variousrailings/ladders/walkways and/or other access ways 38 that may bedisposed on the base 10, carrier supports 20, and carrier 26 as desiredto provide and facilitate safe crew access and movement.

The carrier 26 is provided with handling arm 42 extending from a bottomside of the carrier 26. The handling arm 42 is pivotally mounted to thecarrier 26 and selectively extendable therefrom via piston 49. As shownin FIG. 6, the carrier 26 is positioned adjacent a tower unit 30 withthe handling arm 42 in a collapsed position for receiving the tower unit30.

Each tower unit 30 is equipped with a bracing 40 to facilitate handlingof the tower units. FIG. 7 shows the handling arm 42 positioned beneaththe carrier 26 to couple with the bracing 40 a tower unit 30. Thebracing 40 extends about the tower unit to grippingly engage the towerunit for transport. The handling arm 42 may be coupled to the bracing 40using bolts or other mechanisms.

The bracing 40 is coupled to a blade saddle 34 a. The blade saddle 34 ais positioned beneath the tower unit 30 as it lies in the storedposition. The blade saddle 34 a provides support for the tower unit 30and provides storage for a blade 32 therebelow. The blade saddle 34 aacts as a support for keeping the tower unit 30 and blade 32 secure in astored position during transport and installation. The blade saddle isconfigured to rest on a surface, such as the base 10 as shown. The bladesaddle 34 a is also shaped to conform to the shape of the tower unit 30and to resist movement of the tower unit 30 from its stored position.

The towers units 30 are shown in a stored position on base 10. The towerunits 30 and blades 32 are preferably stored in a stable position andfor easy access during installation. As shown, the tower units 30 arepositioned below the carrier 26 for retrieval thereof, but may bepositioned at various locations about the base. In this version, anacelle 22 has been mounted atop the carrier 26 with the tower unit 30connected below.

FIGS. 8A, B show the handler 37 a for storing a tower unit 30. Thehandler 37 a comprises bracing 40 for grippingly engaging a tower unit30, and a blade saddle 34 a for receiving a blade 32. The bracing 40comprises a pair of grips 53 operatively connected to a gripper bar orbracket 55. Each grip 53 is positionable about a tower unit 30 forgrippingly engaging and supporting the tower unit 30 from the gripperbar 55. The grips 53 are hinged such that they may open to receive thetower unit 30, and lock thereabout (via bolts or other means not shown).FIG. 8A shows the grips 53 in the closed position. FIG. 8B shows thegrips 53 in the open position.

The bracing 40 is operatively connected to the blade saddle 34 a andselectively extendable therefrom via a telescoping member 50 of bladesaddle 34 a. The telescoping member 50 may include linkages, such aspiston 54, to facilitate movement of the bracing from a collapsed orstowed position as shown in FIG. 8A to an extended position as shown inFIG. 8B. The telescoping member 50 may be bolted or otherwise connectedto the bracing 40 and blade saddle 34 a. The telescoping member 50 ispreferably selectively extendable to permit extension of the bladesaddle 34 a from the bracing 40 as will be described more fully below.

The blade saddle 34 a is provided with a saddle bar 59 with a pair offeet 61 at each end thereof. The feet 61 have tower supports 63 thereon.The tower supports 63 are shaped to receive the tower unit 30 and hinderlateral movement thereof when in the stored position. As shown, thetower supports 63 are a pair of arms having an arcuate end for receivingthe tower unit 30, but may be of other shapes and configurationssufficient to receive and support the tower unit 30.

The feet 61 of the blade saddle 34 a are preferably hinged to open forreceipt of a blade (e.g., 32 of FIG. 7). The feet 61 are movable betweena closed position as shown in FIG. 8A and an open position as shown inFIG. 8B. As shown in these figures, the feet 61 may be provided withinserts 46 to grippingly engage and protect the blade. The inserts maybe made of rubber or other material for supporting and/or protecting theblade. The feet 61 also function to support the tower unit 30 and/orblade 32 on the base 10 as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 9, with the nacelle 22 mounted atop the carrier 26and the tower unit 30 connected below, the wind turbine and tower unitare raised together. Components of the windmill, such as the nacelle 22,tower unit 30 and/or blade 32 may be moved about the base 10 separatelyor together. The hoisting platform 24 is shown carrying the nacelle 22and tower unit 30 to a raised position for installation.

FIG. 10A shows the tower unit 30 and blade 32 in transition to anupright position. The carrier 26 has been shifted along the hoistingplatform 24 to a position over the base tower unit 31. Once in thedesired position, the handling arm 42 may be activated to position thetower unit 30 for installation. As seen in FIG. 10A, the blade saddle 34a is preferably outfitted with inserts 46 to hold the blade 32 in placewithout damaging the blade.

FIG. 10B is a side view, showing the handling arm 42 extending out topivot the tower unit 30 to an upright position. Aspects of the inventionmay be implemented with any suitable handling arm 42 or extensionmechanism as known in the art (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, electricservos, etc.) The piston 49 is provided to extend the arm from thecollapsed position to an extended position as shown.

Once the tower unit 30 is vertical and in place, the tower unit 30 issecured to the base tower unit 31, and the carrier 26 is uncoupled fromthe tower unit 30, as shown in FIG. 11. The tower unit 30 may beattached to the base tower unit 31 using conventional means to form atower. Once attached, the handling arm 42 of the carrier 26 is uncoupledfrom the bracing 40 of the tower unit 30, thereby reversing the couplingas described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7.

While the tower unit 30 is shown being installed in the base tower unit31, it will be appreciated that the tower unit may be installed directlyinto a foundation, such as the sea floor, at the location. In somecases, the foundation may be reinforced or provided with a structure forreceiving the windmill. The rigging system 100 may also be used toinstall the base tower unit 31, if present. The tower unit, foundationand/or other vertical components may be separated into smallercomponents or combined prior to installation. Other devices, such aspile drivers 19, may be provided to facilitate installation.

The hoisting platform 24 is then raised to suspend the nacelle 22 abovethe tower unit 30, as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows a case wherein theblades 32 on the nacelle 22 extend out beyond the platform legs 14. Inorder to place such a nacelle 22 on the upright tower unit 30, it isnecessary to either remove the blades 32 or move to rotate the nacelle22. In one aspect, the nacelle 22 is rotated without removal of theblades 32. To enable rotation, the hoisting platform 24, with thenacelle 22 thereon, is raised to a position such that the nacelle 22 maybe rotated without contact between the platform legs 14 and the blades32.

In one aspect, the nacelle 22 may be rotated using the plunger 28. Theplunger 28 comprises a bearing allowing it to rotate and thus pivot thenacelle 22 supported thereon. Plungers 28 may also be configured toextend or retract for additional positioning control. The plunger 28 maybe implemented using conventional mechanisms (e.g.,hydraulic/pneumatic/gear-driven pistons, etc.) FIG. 13 shows the nacelle22 after it has been rotated to clear the platform legs 14. With thenacelle 22 rotated, the platform 24 is lowered to set the nacelle 22 onthe tower unit 30. The nacelle 22 may optionally be rotated by theplunger 28 before picking up and/or installing the tower unit 30.

FIG. 14A shows the nacelle 22 positioned and secured to the tower unit30. FIG. 14B is a side view showing the blade 32 being raised forattachment to the nacelle 22. The blade saddle 34 a is shown with atelescoping member 50 (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, electric servos,etc.) configured to lift the blade 32 into position for mounting. Thetelescoping member 50 extends to move the blade saddle 34 a from astowed position to an extended position for installation of the blade 32into the nacelle 22. The telescoping member 50 may also be configured tohold the blade 32 at an angle during mounting to a nacelle 22 configuredto accept the blade 32 at an angle. As shown, the telescoping member 50comprises linkages 57 to enable extension of the blade saddle 34 a tothe desired position.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show close-up views of the turbine assembly in placewith the nacelle 22 (of FIG. 14A) removed. These figures depict theoperation of work platforms 52. The nacelle 22 is not shown in these forclarity of explanation. As also shown in these figures, the tower unit30 may optionally be installed before retrieving the nacelle 22 forinstallation.

FIG. 15 shows the work platforms 52 on the carrier 26 in the setposition to facilitate crew movement thereon. The work platforms 52 asshown extend a floor portion of the carrier about the tower unit 30. Oneor more such work platforms 52 may be provided at various positionsabout the rigging system 100 to provide a surface for the crew. FIG. 16shows the work platforms 52 in the retracted position to allow thecarrier 26 to pull away from the tower unit 30. The work platforms 52may be retracted by, for example, sliding the work platforms 52 on topof adjacent portions of the carrier 26, or rotating the work platformsto a lower position.

Once the nacelle 22 is secured to the tower unit 30 and the final blade32 is secured to the nacelle 22, the blade saddle 34 a is disconnectedfrom the blade 32, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The blade saddle 34 ais preferably configured with hinged latching mechanisms for quickrelease of the blade 32. Once the blade 32 is released, the telescopingmember 50 may be moved from the extended position (FIGS. 14A, 14B) to acollapsed position adjacent the tower unit 30.

The hoisting platform 24 is then lowered and coupled to the bracing 40and blade saddle 34 a for removal of the bracing 40 and blade saddle 34a from the tower unit 30, as shown in FIG. 18. The hoisting platform 24may be coupled to the blade saddle 34 a using the handling arm in thesame manner as previously described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The carrier 26 and blade saddle 34 a are then disconnected from thetower unit 30. The bracing 40 is opened to release the bracing fromabout the tower unit 30. The handling arm 42 is then moved to theretracted position below the carrier 26, thereby reversing the movementas described with respect to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

The blade saddle 34 a is rotated to a retracted position under thecarrier 26 as shown in FIG. 19. The platform legs 14 are then retractedand the unit is lowered or Jacked down, ready for movement to anothercase. With the platform legs 14 retracted and the base 10 ‘Jacked down’,the installation is complete and the system 100 retreats away from thebase tower unit 31. With the wind turbine installed, the rigging system100 is now en-route to another install site to repeat the process.

FIGS. 20-24 show an alternate handler 37 b for use with the riggingsystem 100. As shown in these figures, the alternate handler 37 b isused for storing and installing a blade 32. The handler 37 b may beoperatively connected to the carrier 26 and moved about the system 100via the carrier 26 and hoisting platform 24 in the same manner aspreviously described with respect to the handler 37 a and as shown, forexample, in FIG. 9. In this version, the handler 37 b has an alternateblade saddle 34 b operatively connectable to the arm 42 of carrier 26 inthe same manner as handler 37 a is connected as previously describedwith respect to FIGS. 6 and 7.

A detailed view of the handler 37 b is shown in FIGS. 21A-C. The bladesaddle 34 b has a bracing with a blade grip 65 on an end thereof forreceiving a hub end of the blade 32. The blade saddle 34 b also has ablade support 67 a distance from the blade grip 65 for supporting theblade 32 on the blade saddle 34 b. The blade support 67 is shown ashaving an open end for receiving the blade.

FIGS. 21B-C show the handler 37 b with the blade 32 removed. Thesefigures depict the operation of the blade grip 65. Preferably, the bladegrip 65 may be selectively and hingedly opened to receive and/or releasea blade 32. The blade grip 65 is movable between a closed position aboutthe blade 32 as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, and an open position asshown in FIG. 21C. Preferably, the blade grip 65 and blade support 67have surfaces that act as feet positionable on base 10 for storage ofthe blade thereon.

Once a blade 32 is positioned in the handler 37 b and attached to thecarrier 26, the blade 32 may be transported via the carrier 100 to aposition adjacent a nacelle 22 and tower unit 30 for installationthereon as shown in FIGS. 22-24. The tower unit 30 and nacelle 22 may beinstalled in tower unit 30 as previously described. In thisconfiguration, the nacelle 22 is installed without a blade 32. FIG. 22shows the carrier 26 raising the handler 37 b to a height forinstallation of the blade. FIG. 23 shows the handler 37 b being rotatedvia extension of arm 42 by piston 49 in the same manner as describedwith respect to FIGS. 10A and 10B. Once the blade 32 is in the verticalposition, carrier 26 is moved along hoisting platform 24 such that blade32 is placed in horizontal alignment with nacelle 22 for installation asshown in FIG. 24. The nacelle 22 may be rotated, and the processrepeated for additional blades.

FIG. 25 shows an alternate handling system with an alternate hoistingplatform 24′ usable with the rigging system 100. The alternate hoistingplatform 24′ is similar to the hoisting platform 24, except that thehoisting platform 24′ has a single hole 25 therethrough for receiving asingle platform leg 14. The hoisting platform 24′ is configured to runup and down along the platform legs 14, as previously described herein.In this configuration, the hoisting platform 24′ is also rotatable aboutthe platform leg 14 as shown in FIG. 26. The hoisting platform 24′ ispreferably rotatable for transferring and/or transporting windmillcomponents to and from the base and/or an adjacent surface, such as theconveyance system 200 of FIG. 27 (described below).

While the configuration of FIG. 25 shows the hoisting platform 24′ witha single hole 25, it will be appreciated that the hoisting platform maybe provided with one or more holes positionable about one or moreplatform legs 14. The hoisting platform 24′ may be operatively (e.g.,hingedly) connected to one or more platform legs 14 and selectivelyreleasable therefrom such that the hoisting platform 24′ may be slidablymovable along one or more platform legs 14.

Aspects of the invention also entail a windmill conveyance system 200.FIG. 27 shows an aspect of the system configured for offshoreapplications. In this figure, the conveyance system 200 moves to alocation for delivery of a wind turbine tower assembly. The wind turbinetower assembly delivered by the conveyance system 200 includes a nacelle22 and a tower unit 30 (with blade 32). The conveyance system 200advances toward a mobile turbine carrier and rigging system 100 at thelocation. The rigging system 100 may be the same as the rigging system100 described previously with respect to FIGS. 1-24, or another facilitycapable of receiving windmill components, such as nacelle 22 and towerunit 30 of the wind turbine tower assembly.

The conveyance system 200 includes a transporter 270 and a transfersystem 274. As depicted in FIG. 27, the transporter 270 is a lift boatsuspended in the sea 12 for transporting the tower unit 30 and a nacelle22 to the rigging system 100. The lift boat has a top surface forsupporting the transfer system 274. Various railings/ladders/walkways238 may be disposed on the lift boat 270 to provide and facilitate safecrew access and movement. The lift boat 270 includes three extendableuprights or boat legs 272. Some aspects may be implemented with more orless than three legs, depending on the layout and configuration of thelift boat 270. The lift boat 270 is configured to remain afloat whilethe boat legs 272 are suspended off the sea floor.

The transfer system 274 is depicted in FIG. 28A as a transfer platform274 positioned on the lift boat 270 for transferring tower unit 30 (withblade 32) and a nacelle 22 onto the rigging system 100. The transfersystem 274 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 28A-C. FIG. 28A showsthe transfer system 274 with a nacelle 22 and tower unit 30 (with blade32) supported thereby. The transfer platform 274 includes an uppersupport 276 with support legs 275 extending therefrom. FIG. 28B showsthe transfer platform 274 of FIG. 28A with the tower unit 30 (and blade32) removed. FIG. 28C shows an upper support 276 of the transferplatform.

The upper support 276 is configured to cradle a conventional windturbine nacelle 22. The upper support 276 has upper rails 273 forslidably moving the nacelle 22 along the upper support 276. Slider 279is provided for supporting the nacelle 22 on the rails 273 and forfacilitating slidable movement of the nacelle along the rails 273. Theslider 279 may be the same as slider 41 for slidably moving nacelle 22as previously described. The support legs 275 of upper support 276 areoperatively connected to lower rails 277 a for slidably moving the uppersupport 276 along a surface of the lift boat 270.

A tower unit 30 is positioned on a lower support 269 below the uppersupport 276. The lower support 269 includes bracing 240 for securingeach tower unit in place on the lower support 269. The bracing 240 maybe the same as the bracing 40 a described previously for supporting atower unit 30 and blade 32. The lower support 269 is slidably movablealong lower rails 277 b for transferring the tower unit 30. Lowersupport 269 may be, for example, a slider similar to slider 41 forsupporting the tower unit 30 on the rails 277 b and for facilitatingslidable movement of the tower unit along the rails 277 b. Variousdevices, such as sliders, skid pads, cylinders, bearings, rollers orother devices may be used for slidable movement along the rails 273, 277a,b.

Each tower unit 30 has a single blade 32 therewith held in place by ahandler 237, with bracing 240 and a brace or blade saddle 234. Thehandler 237 and blade saddle 234 may be the same as the handler 37 a andblade saddle 34 a described above. This particular aspect of theinvention is shown with each nacelle 22 outfitted with a pair of blades32. Some aspects may be implemented with each tower unit 30 equippedwith multiple handlers 237, blade saddles 234 and/or blades 32. Otheraspects may also be implemented with blade saddles 234 configured tohold multiple blades 32.

While FIGS. 27 and 28A show one nacelle 22 and one tower unit 30 withone blade 32 carried by the lift boat 270 and supported by the transferplatform 274, it will be appreciated that one or more nacelles 22,blades 32, tower units 30 and/or other items may be carried by the liftboat 270, supported by the transfer platform 274, and/or transferred bythe transfer platform 274.

FIG. 29 shows the conveyance system 200 after it reaches the riggingsystem 100. The lift boat 270 has docking arms 280 for receiving dockinggrips 180 on the rigging system 100. The lift boat 270 is shown in adocked position adjacent the rigging system 100. The docking arms 280mate with the docking grips 180 for securing the lift boat 270 to therigging system 100. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the artthat the lift boat 270 may be secured in place by other means, such asrope. Preferably, the lift boat 270 is secured in an aligned positionwith the rigging system 100 for facilitating transfer of the nacelle 22and tower unit 30 onto the rigging system 100.

With continuing reference to FIG. 29, once the lift boat 270 is inposition, the boat legs 272 are extended to the sea floor to secure thelift boat 270 in position. The boat legs 272 are then used to raise orJackup the lift boat 270 to the desired height for transfer. Preferably,the lift boat 270 is positioned such that lower rails 277 b of thetransfer platform 274 are in alignment with base rails 282 on the base10 of the rigging system 100. The rigging system 100 may be providedwith base rails 282 shown in FIG. 29, or other devices capable offacilitating transfer of the wind tower assembly. Winches, cranes orother mechanisms may also be provided about other positions the liftboat 270 and/or rigging system 100 for performing various operations,such as transfers.

FIG. 30 shows the lift boat 270 raised via boat legs 272 to a height fortransfer of the tower unit 30. With the conveyance system 200 in placeadjacent the rigging system 100, the hoisting platform 24 may bepositioned to permit receipt of the tower unit 30 from the lift boat270. As shown in FIG. 30, the hoisting platform 24 is raised to aposition to enable transfer of the tower unit 30.

As shown in FIG. 31, tower unit 30 is slidably moved along the lowerrails 277 b from the lift boat 270 and onto the base rails 282 of thebase 10. A slider 271 is depicted as passing along lower rails 277 b tobase rails 282 for carrying the tower unit 30 from the lift boat 270 tothe base 10. Other means, such as a winch, rollers, etc., may be used tofacilitate transfer of the tower unit 30 along the rails 277 b, 282. Thetower unit 30 is received by the carrier 26. The carrier 26 may becoupled to the handler 237 of the tower unit 30 via bracing 40 aspreviously described.

The tower unit 30 may then be transported about the rigging system 100by the carrier 26 using the hoisting platform 24. As shown in FIG. 32,the hoisting platform 24 moves the tower unit 30 about the riggingsystem 100. The hoisting platform 24 may be raised and lowered and/orthe carrier 26 moved back and forth to move the tower unit 30 asdesired.

The tower unit may be moved to a location near the base 10. The towerunit 30 is then released onto the base 10 as shown in FIG. 33. The towerunit 30 may be uncoupled from the carrier 26 as previously described. Insome cases, the tower units 30 may be transferred to a storage or otherlocation as desired.

The hoisting platform 24 and lift boat 270 may now be positioned fortransfer of the nacelle 22 to the rigging system 100. As shown in FIG.34, the carrier 26 of the hoisting platform 24 is moved into positionfor alignment with the upper rails 273 of the upper support 276. Thelift boat 270 is then lifted along boat legs 272 to a raised verticalposition for transfer as also shown in FIG. 34. The carrier 26 of thehoisting platform 24 is then moved into alignment with the upper support276 for receipt of the nacelle 22.

The upper support 276 then moves to an extended position such that upperrails 273 are adjacent the carrier 26 of hoisting platform 24 as shownin FIG. 35. The nacelle 22 is slidably moved by upper support 276 alonglower rails 277 a of the lift boat 270 and to the carrier 26 as shown inFIG. 35. A slider 279 is provided for carrying the nacelle along rails273 to the carrier 26.

FIG. 36 shows the nacelle 22 as it is received by the carrier 26. Thecarrier 26 may be adapted for receiving the slider 279. Alternatively,the nacelle 22 may be transferred to the carrier without the slider 279.The nacelle 22 and/or tower unit 30 may be moved onto the rigging system100 using any suitable means (e.g., via a winch mounted on the upperand/or lower supports 276, 269). In some aspects of the invention, thesupports 276, 269 and/or rigging system 100 may be configured withconventional gear/track systems to allow for movement or extension ofthe components to facilitate the transfers.

Once that the transfer is complete, the conveyance system 200 may beretracted from the rigging system 100. The upper support 276 is movedback to its original, retracted position on lift boat 270 as shown inFIG. 37. The conveyance process may be repeated such that one or morenacelles 22, tower units 30, blades 32 and/or other components ordevices may be transferred by the conveyance system 200 to and/or fromthe rigging system 100. In some cases, it may be desirable to removeitems from the rigging system 100 to the lift boat 270. The conveyanceprocess may be reversed to provide for such removal.

Lift boat 270 is lowered along boat legs 272 to sea level 12 as shown inFIG. 38. The boat legs 272 may then be lifted to their original positionas shown previously. The transferred nacelle(s) 22, tower unit(s) 30and/or blade(s) 32 may be positioned about the rigging system 100 asdesired as described previously. Components may be transferred and/orstored using handlers 37 a, 37 b, 237 a and/or other devices. One ormore nacelles 22, tower units 30 and/or blades 32 may be transportedtogether or separately about the rigging system 100. The nacelles 22,tower units 30 and/or blades may then be stored and/or installed asdescribed previously herein.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hoist and/ordelivery systems/processes disclosed herein can be automated/autonomousvia software configured with algorithms to perform operations asdescribed herein. The aspects can be implemented by programming one ormore suitable general-purpose computers having appropriate hardware. Theprogramming may be accomplished through the use of one or more programstorage devices readable by the processor(s) and encoding one or moreprograms of instructions executable by the computer for performing theoperations described herein. The program storage device may take theform of, e.g., one or more floppy disks; a CD ROM or other optical disk;a magnetic tape; a read-only memory chip (ROM); and other forms of thekind well-known in binary form that is executable more-or-less directlyby the computer; in “source code” that requires compilation orinterpretation before execution; or in some intermediate form such aspartially compiled code. The precise forms of the program storage deviceand of the encoding of instructions are immaterial here. It will also beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosedstructures can be implemented using any suitable materials for thecomponents (e.g., metals, alloys, composites, etc.) and conventionalhardware and components (e.g., conventional fasteners, motors, etc.) canbe used to construct the systems and apparatus.

While the present disclosure describes specific aspects of theinvention, numerous modifications and variations will become apparent tothose skilled in the art after studying the disclosure, including use ofequivalent functional and/or structural substitutes for elementsdescribed herein. For example, it will be appreciated that embodimentsof the invention may be transported or conveyed to a desired site viaany means known in the art (e.g., towed behind a barge at sea). Also,the steps as depicted may be performed in various orders to achieve thedelivery, transfer, storage, installation, and/or movement of one ormore items. By way of example, movements of the hoisting platform 24and/or lift boat 270 may be implemented in various sequences to achieveto the desired position. Aspects of the invention can also beimplemented to perform the described functions both on land andoffshore. For example, systems for land operations may be implementedwith conventional wheeled platforms. All such similar variationsapparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scopeof the invention.

This description is intended for purposes of illustration only andshould not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of this inventionshould be determined only by the language of the claims that follow. Theterm “comprising” within the claims is intended to mean “including atleast” such that the recited listing of elements in a claim are an opengroup. “A,” “an” and other singular terms are intended to include theplural forms thereof unless specifically excluded.

1. A handler for handling at least one component of a windmill,comprising: at least one grip for releasably receiving the at least onecomponent of the windmill, the at least one grip cmoprising at least onefoot positionable on a base for supporting the at least one component ona surface thereof; and a bracing operatively connectable to the at leastone grip, the bracing receivable by a carrier for transport therebywhereby the at least one component is transportable by the carrier. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one grip is releasablypositionable about a tower unit.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein theat least one grip has a hinge for selectively moving the at least onegrip between an open and a closed position.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the at least one foot comprises at least one blade grip forreleasably receiving a blade.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the atleast one foot has a hinge for selectively moving the at least one footbetween an open and a closed position.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinthe at least one foot is operatively connectable to the at least onegrip by a saddle bar.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising aplurality of spaced-apart tower supports positioned on the saddle bar,the plurality of spaced-apart tower supports shaped to receive a towerunit and provide support thereto.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein theat least one foot is operatively connected to the at least one grip by atelescoping member, the at least one foot selectively extendable fromthe bracing via the telescoping member.
 9. The system of claim 8,wherein the telescoping member comprises a plurality of linkages, atleast one of the plurality of linkages being a piston.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one grip comprises at least one blade gripfor releasably receiving a blade.
 11. The system of claim 10, whereinthe at least one blade grip has a hinge for selectively moving the atleast one blade grip between an open and a closed position.
 12. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the at least one blade grip has an inlet forreceiving the blade.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least onegrip has insert therein for protecting the at least one component. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one component comprises atleast one of a tower unit, a blade and combinations thereof.
 15. Ahandling system for handling at least one component of a windmill,comprising: a base having at least one surface for receiving the atleast one component thereon, the base having a carrier operativelyconnectable thereto and movable thereabout; and a handler, comprising:at least one grip for releasably receiving the at least one component ofthe windmill, the at least one grip comprising at least one footpositionable on the base for supporting the at least one component onthe at least one surface; and a bracing operatively connectable to theat least one grip, the bracing receivable by the carrier for transportthereby whereby the at least one component is transportable about thebase by the carrier.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the carrier hasan arm for receiving the handler.
 17. The system of claim 16, whereinthe base has at least one leg extending therethrough and a hoistingplatform slidably positionable along the at least one leg, the carrierslidably positionable about the hoisting platform.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the at least one leg is extendable from the base forJacking up the base to a desired height.
 19. The system of claim 15,wherein the base is movable to a location.
 20. The system of claim 15,further comprising at least one support positionable on the base, the atleast one support having a frame for supporting at least one component.21. The system of claim 20, wherein each of the at least one supportshas a plurality of legs, each leg having a hole therethrough forreceiving one of the plurality of legs of another support whereby the atleast one supports are stackable.
 22. The system of claim 20, whereinthe at least one support has a slider thereon slidably movable betweenthe at least one support and the base via the carrier, the slider havinga surface for receiving the at least one component.
 23. The system ofclaim 22, wherein the carrier and the at least one support have railsthereon for slidably moving the slider therebetween.
 24. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the at least one component comprises at least one of anacelle, a tower unit, a blade and combinations thereof.
 25. The systemof claim 15, further comprising a conveyance system comprising atransporter for transporting the at least component to the base, and atransfer system for transferring the at least one component from thetransporter to the base.
 26. A method of handling at least one componentof a windmill, comprising: providing a handling system, comprising: abase having at least one surface for receiving the at least onecomponent thereon, the base having a carrier operatively connectablethereto and movable thereabout; and a handler, comprising: at least onegrip for releasably receiving the at least one component of thewindmill, the at least one grip having at least one foot positionable onthe base for supporting the at least one component on the at least onesurface; and a bracing operatively connectable to the at least one grip,the bracing receivable by the carrier for transport thereby whereby theat least one component is transportable about the base by the carrier;receiving the at least one component by the handler; operativelyconnecting the handler to the carrier via the bracing; and transportingthe at least one component about the base via the carrier.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, further comprising storing the at least onecomponent on the base in the handler.
 28. The method of claim 26,further comprising releasing the at least one component from thehandler.
 29. The method of claim 26, further comprising tilting thehandler via the carrier.
 30. The method of claim 26, further comprisingextending a blade grip of the handler a distance from the bracing via alinkage.
 31. The method of claim 26, further comprising installing theat least one component in a foundation.